Allen Harim, a leading producer and processor of chicken on Delmarva, has hired several key personnel to oversee the expanded Harbeson poultry processing facility and other departments at the company, officials announced this week.

“We are continuing to build a strong team here with the experience necessary to take this company to the next level,” said CEO Joe Moran. “With the addition of these key players, we are moving forward with our strategic goals to make this company more competitive within our industry.”

Kevin W. Gordonhas been named Plant Manager of the newly expanded Harbeson facility. He comes to Allen Harim with more than 34 years of production management experience. He most recently worked for Pilgrim’s Pride, where he oversaw operations in Athens, Ga., with responsibility for more than 1700 employees. He has also served as plant manager for Mountaire Farms, in North Carolina, and at Cargill. He has a degree in Biology from Appalachian State University

Rory DeWeesehas been named Senior Director of Live Operations. He most recently worked at Hubbard, a feed company overseeing customers in the Mid-Atlantic region, and has a 26-year career in a variety of live production roles at various poultry companies, including Pilgrim’s Pride in Russellville, AL., Sanderson Farms in Laurel, MS., and Con Agra Foods in Mayfield, KY. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture.  He will oversee all contract growers, hatcheries, breeders, and feed mills.

Tim Thomashas been named the new Director of Transportation and Strategic Sourcing, and will be working out of Harbeson. He has over 24 years of experience in procurement in the food production industry, having spent most of his career with Pilgrim’s Pride. Most recently he served as Head of Procurement for JBS, the parent company of Pilgrim’s Pride, where he oversaw $2 billion in spending and helped implement programs around the world to make the company more efficient. He has a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Economics from West Texas A&M University.

At Allen Harim, Thomas will oversee all activities of the Procurement department including planning, coordinating, and directing all of the purchasing activities. In addition, he will also be overseeing all areas of the corporation’s Transportation Group.

Tanya Granthas been hired as Corporate Safety and Training Manager and will be based in Harbeson. Her background includes extensive experience improving the performance, productivity and safety of organizations with 2,000-plus employees at both the plant and corporate level in both HR and Operations Management roles. Her previous employers include Sherwin-Williams in Beltsville, MD., Labinol Power Systems in Salisbury, MD., and Baltimore Aircoil Company in Milford, DE.  She has a Master’s of Science in HR Management from Lesley University, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Wilmington University.

“I am confident this team will help us streamline all of our operations to ensure maximum efficiencies moving forward ensuring we produce the healthiest birds in the best environment possible. And our increased focus on safety will ensure that all our employees get the necessary training and supervision to benefit them,” Moran said.      

Source: Allen Harim Foods